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FAQs

The AA Travel Currency Card

What is the AA Travel Currency Card?

The Euro Card and the GBP Card (sterling) are Prepaid Mastercard cards which provide a secure and convenient way to manage your money while abroad. The cards are available in sterling (worldwide card) and euro.

It's a simple way to use money abroad and can be easier to budget with than a debit or credit card. It's a convenient alternative to carrying large sums of cash or traveller's cheques.

All you have to do is load money on to your AA Travel Currency Card, then you can spend or withdraw cash from ATMs on holiday as and when you need it. Spending only what you have loaded on to the card can help you to budget while on holiday.

What is a prepaid card?

Prepaid cards look just like a credit or debit card, with a card number, chip and signature strip. But unlike credit cards (which provide a source of credit) and debit cards (which are linked to your bank account), you spend what you load on the card, helping you to stay in control of your spending money while abroad.

You can use the AA Travel Currency Card wherever you see the Mastercard Acceptance Mark – at over 35 million locations worldwide, including 2 million cash machines.

What is an AA Travel Currency Card account?

A new online account is set up when you take out an AA Travel Currency card. It acts like a secure online wallet that holds your loaded funds safely and offers a range of convenient features to help you manage your money. Please note that this account may sometimes be referred to as an eccount.

Your AA Travel Currency Card eccount is an online account that allows you to manage your card in a way that works best for you. Funds loaded go directly on to your currency card for immediate use. Using 'Top-up settings' in the online servicing menu, you can change the way your funds are distributed between your eccount and card(s).

For example, whenever you load, you could allocate half to your eccount and distribute the rest to your card(s). You may want to do this for security reasons, rather than loading all the money directly on to the card in one go.

Note that the eccount facility can only hold funds in sterling. Therefore if you wish to move funds from your euro card back into your eccount, funds will be converted back to pounds sterling at that day's exchange rate.

Who provides the card?

The AA Travel Currency Card is offered by AA Financial Services and provided by Tuxedo Money Plus Limited. Tuxedo is an approved Mastercard member service provider in the UK. The cards are issued by Wirecard Card Solutions Limited pursuant to licence by Mastercard International Incorporated.

Applying for the card

Who can apply for a card?

Applicants must be UK residents aged 18 or over.

How do I apply for a card?

You can apply online for a card. Applying is easy and secure. If you experience any difficulties during the application process, please call 0345 340 3177 (select option 9).** You'll need to select whether you want a Euro Card or a GBP Card.

Do I need to pass a credit check to get this card?

No, because this is a prepaid card, rather than a credit card.

Are there any identity checks undertaken when applying for the card?

We do have to verify your identity against the information you have provided. In most cases this verification will happen instantly, but in some cases we may need to ask you to send in documents that prove your identity.

If we do verify your identity immediately, you'll receive your AA Travel Currency Card within 7 to 10 days, and your card will have a maximum balance of £5,000 or €6,250. If we are unable to verify your identity from the documents you provide, we will be unable to send you a card.

What do I need to have with me when I apply for the card?

You'll need your bank details to set up your account. The minimum initial payment on to your card is £10, and this will need to be paid by a debit card registered to the same address as your AA Travel Currency Card. AA Members will need their membership number.

How long will my card take to arrive?

Please allow 7 to 10 days for your card to arrive. If we need to ask for additional documents to prove your identity, it will take a little longer.

Why do I need a secret number?

You'll be asked to input a secret number during the application process. You'll need this number in order to activate your card and also if you forget your password. If you forget your secret number, please contact customer services on 0345 340 3177.

How do I activate my card?

To activate your AA Travel Currency Card, please call 0207 070 4902. You'll need your card and account number to hand, in addition to the secret number that you provided when you completed the application process. During the call you'll be prompted through the activation process, and at the end given your PIN. Please memorise this PIN for future use.

Why would I need an additional card?

You may wish to take out an additional card before you travel. This is a second card linked to the same account. You can keep your additional card in the safe in case you lose or have your main card stolen. It also gives you the option to share money between cards, with a family member or friend for example.

An additional card costs £4.99 and can be purchased by calling our customer services team on 0345 340 3177.

Additional cardholders must be UK residents who are aged 18 or over. Please note that in India, local laws mean that additional cards cannot be used for sharing money with a family member or friend.

Costs, fees and tariffs

How much does my AA Travel Currency Card and account cost?

There is an initial card issue fee of £9.95, valid for 3 years, but this is automatically refunded back on to your card balance if your first load is £100 or more. Your online servicing account is free to use.

What other card fees should I be aware of?

Please refer to the terms and conditions section about card fees.

Will I pay any fees if I do not use my AA Travel Currency Card?

A dormancy fee of £1 per month will automatically be deducted from your card balance following 12 months of card inactivity. The fee will continue to be charged until the card is active again (e.g. loaded with funds or used for a transaction).

Will I be paid interest?

No, the AA Travel Currency Card and linked online eccount is subject to e-money regulations, therefore interest is not paid on this product.

What exchange rate will I get?

Your money will be loaded on to the card at the current exchange rate. Please see our online calculator.

When does the ATM fee get refunded?

If you withdraw £50 or €50 from an ATM, you'll be charged a £1.50 or €1.50 fee. This will show on your statement as £1.50 ATM fee. The fee is then refunded to your eccount – but is not shown as a separate line on your statement. It is included in your overall eccount balance.

About our exchange rate

Our exchange rate can change daily but is fixed at the start of each day, and is therefore guaranteed regardless of market fluctuations – so you'll always know exactly what you'll be charged in advance.

How can I change my PIN?

How to top up your card

How do I top up my card?

There are many ways to top-up your card.

Faster Payments bank transfer

We recommend that you link your AA Travel Currency Card eccount to your personal bank account and do a bank transfer. This is free and you can load up to £2,000 in one transaction. If your bank uses Faster Payments, funds will be available on the next working day, otherwise it can take up to 3 working days.

Follow these simple steps to link your AA Travel Currency Card to your bank account. You'll only need to do this once, and then you'll be able to top up the money on your card easily when ever you want to.

Log in to the online servicing facility of your own personal bank account. Follow the instructions to set up a new payee. You'll need the following information to set up the account:

Account name: WDCS re TMS GBP

Bank: Barclays Bank Plc

It's free to top up on the AA website. To make a transfer, log in to online servicing and under the 'Top-up' tab, choose 'View bank transfer details'. If you are loading by BACS and your bank uses Faster Payments, your funds will be available on the next working day.

At PayPoint locations. Top up with cash at nearly 22,000 terminals located in newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets, garages and off-licences near to you (fee 3% of load value). Find a PayPoint near you.

Remember to notify your bank that you're travelling abroad, especially if you plan to top–up your card using your debit card whilst you're away. For ease, you may prefer to top up via BACS as an alternative.

How long will my loaded funds take to clear?

When loading with a debit card for the first time, it can take up to 3 working days for the funds to clear on to your AA Travel Currency Card. However, all subsequent loads using the same debit card are immediate and will clear on the same day. If your bank uses Faster Payments, funds will be available the next working day.

Cash loads made at a Post Office will take 1 working day to clear, but PayPoint loads clear on the same day. The exchange rate you receive when loading your Euro Card will always be that of the day your funds clear on your card.

How do I change the way funds are distributed between my account and my card?

Log in to online servicing.

Enter your security information.

Select the option called 'TOP-UP SETTINGS'.

The 'Load ALL funds to my Service A card(s) will be selected as the default account rule.

To change your account rules, select from one of the other available options. For example, whenever you load, you could allocate half of the funds to your account and distribute the rest between your card(s) or you could load all funds to your account rather than to your Service A card.

To arrange for your card to be topped up by a set amount on a specific date, or when your balance reaches a certain amount, select the 'Automatic Top Up Rules' within 'TOP-UP SETTINGS'.

How to withdraw cash and make purchases

Where can I withdraw cash?

You can withdraw cash from some 2 million cash machines worldwide – basically any that carry the Mastercard Acceptance Mark. There is a £1.50 or €1.50 fee for withdrawing cash, but if the amount you withdraw is from £50 or €50, the fee will be refunded to your card. We recommend that you use ATMs at main bank branches.

Can I use my AA Travel Currency Card to get cash over the bank counter?

No. You can only use an ATM.

Can I use my AA Travel Currency Card to make purchases?

Yes. You can use your card wherever you see the Mastercard Acceptance Mark, as long as you have sufficient funds on your card.

What is a pre-authorisation?

A pre-authorisation is carried out when a merchant reserves money on a card to ensure payment for their services. Places such as restaurants and hotels do this quite often. For example, a pub or restaurant may pre-authorise a set amount when you open a tab at the bar. If your final bill is less than the pre-authorised amount it may take up to 14 days for you to receive the balance as a refund into your eccount.

Can I use my AA Travel Currency Card to guarantee payments or make reservations?

If you are using your card for car hire, hotel reservations, general bookings or to guarantee a payment, the prepaid funds on your card will be pre-authorised and blocked for payment of the services that you request.

Some businesses – car hire and hotels in particular – may block more funds than you expect to use, and this will affect the available balance on your card. The blocked funds will not be available for you to use until the final bill has been settled and cleared via Mastercard. Usually the unspent amount is made available for use within a day or two of payment. However in some instances it can take up to 14 days for the transaction to be fully processed and for your card to be credited.

Are there any outlets where I may not be able to use my AA Travel Currency Card?

You may not be able to use your card if a retail outlet is unable to obtain authorisation for the amount you wish to spend. Your card may also not be accepted for the hire of a car. This may be due to the extended time period that can occur when a transaction is authorised and when money is deducted from your eccount. Alternatively, the difference can occur between the amount authorised and the amount subsequently claimed.

Can I use my AA Travel Currency Card to pay for fuel at automated pumps?

Unfortunately this is not available. It's possible to pay for fuel inside the petrol station kiosk if you see the Mastercard Acceptance Mark.

Can I use my AA Travel Currency Card to pay at toll roads abroad?

Not always – your card is a Mastercard card and should be accepted everywhere you see the Mastercard Acceptance Mark. However, some toll road payment kiosks are 'offline', meaning they cannot check that the card has the available funds before they allow you through the toll. As a result of this, they often choose not to accept prepaid cards.

What address should I give when I purchase goods online, by mail order or by phone?

The billing address should be the address registered by the primary cardholder, even if you're an authorised user.

What is a pending transaction?

A pending transaction (sometimes called 'outstanding authorisation') is a temporary charge held against your available funds. It relates to:

A transaction (purchase or cash withdrawal) you've made using your AA Travel Currency Card which has been authorised for payment, but has not yet reached your eccount.

'Reserved' funds requested by certain retailers (e.g. when you check in to some hotels, they will take your AA Travel Currency Card details for an 'authorisation transaction' that reserves enough funds to cover your bill).

A payment or cash withdrawal you've made to your eccount that has not yet cleared.

What happens to a pending transaction?

The pending transaction will either turn into a finalised transaction (purchase), or will be removed automatically within 14 days.

Do I need to do anything if I have a pending transaction on my eccount?

No. Having a pending transaction on your eccount is part of the process by which a purchase is charged to your eccount. However, if you think the pending transaction may relate to fraudulent use of your card, please contact us immediately.

How are my transactions authorised?

Retail outlets request authorisation via Mastercard. Tuxedo Money Plus Limited is linked to Mastercard via a processor which verifies that you have enough funds available on your AA Travel Currency Card. If approved, the money is paid to Mastercard from the card, for settlement to the merchant. If there are not enough funds on your card, the transaction will be declined. At all times, only you or a designated person can see the balance available on your eccount.

What if I want to cancel a transaction or card authorisation?

In circumstances where it is possible to cancel an authorised transaction, for instance a hotel reservation, you must allow up to 30 days for a refund if the transaction has been authorised. After this time a chargeback can be requested; proof of contact with the merchant is normally required. In the meantime you won't be able to use that money for other transactions.

When are transactions declined?

Transactions can be declined if the retailer can't verify online that there are enough funds in your eccount to cover the value of the transaction you are making, including any applicable charges.

Online servicing: managing your currency card

How do I reset my password?

To change your password, log in to your online servicing and then go to the 'Security' tab and select 'Change Password'.

How do I update my personal details?

If you are the account holder, you can update your mobile number and email address under the 'Users' tab.

If you move house and need to update your home address, please email us a scanned copy or a photograph of one of the following documents which shows your new address to support@aatravelcurrency.com. Please ensure your document copy is full size, in colour, and is dated within the last 3 months.

Electric, gas or water utility bill (including online bills).

Valid UK driving licence or provisional licence.

Evidence of entitlement to state or local authority benefits (Department for Work and Pensions).

Bank or credit card statement (including online statements).

HM Revenue and Customs letters (not application for self-assessment).

Unfortunately, we can't accept copies of statements which you've printed at home as proof of your change of address. The document must be an item which has arrived through the post. This is a legal requirement which allows us to comply with money laundering and fraud regulations.

How do I download my statement?

You can download statements for free from our online servicing site.

Simply log in and go to the 'Your Account' tab, then select either eccount or Card Account, and search for a downloadable statement by entering a date range.

We don't send monthly statements to you in the post, but you can request one for a fee of £10.

How do I move funds between the card and eccount, or eccount and the card?

Simply log in and go to the 'Your Account' tab, select either eccount or Card Account depending on where you want to move the funds from or to, then click 'Move Money'.

To move funds online, go to the 'Move funds' tab, select the source you wish to move money from and to, and then select the amount.

What is an eccount balance?

The eccount is our unique 'cloud wallet' facility, enabling a cardholder to move funds off the card into a separate secure wallet. This functonality gives our cardholders added security and peace of mind in case the card is compromised – monies held within the cloud wallet are unobtainable.

Cardholders can also use this function for budget control and as a savings account. Funds are easily transferred between the card and the cloud wallet via text, online or by contactng our call centre.

How can I have the balance on my eccount refunded to me?

Once you have been on your holiday, you have the option to leave any remaining funds on the card to wait until you next travel (the card is valid for 36 months). Alternatively, you could use one of the following methods to withdraw your money.

You can spend any remaining balance in any shops which accept Mastercard cards. There is no charge for using your card for UK retail transactions (e.g. in shops or restaurants).

You can withdraw cash from an ATM that accepts Mastercard cards, however, depending on your balance you may not be able to withdraw it all in one go. There is a withdrawal fee of £1.50 on a GBP Card or €1.50 on a Euro Card for ATM transactions in the UK. If you have a Euro Card and want to withdraw sterling from a UK ATM machine, your withdrawal will be converted from euros to sterling at the published foreign exchange conversion rate on the day.

If you prefer to withdraw all of the money in one lump sum, you can phone customer services and arrange for the money to be refunded to your bank account. Please note that there is a £10 redemption administration fee charged for returning your balance to your bank account. You can then still choose to retain your AA Travel Currency Card for future use because it is valid for 36 months. To contact customer services, please call 0345 340 3177, choose option 9 to speak to a customer adviser (lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, excluding bank holidays).

Can I order an additional card?

Yes. Just log in and go to the 'Your Account' tab, then select the 'Add Card' button. You'll be offered a choice of keeping the eccount or card balance to yourself, or sharing it with the new cardholder.

There is a fee for an additional card – please see the fees table in the terms and conditions for exact charge. It is possible to have up to two additional cards in different names, but it is also possible to order a second card in the name of the main card holder. This second card can be activated in case of the main card being lost or stolen.

How do I check the available balance on my AA Travel Currency Card?

To check your balance, log in to our online servicing, or call our automated service on +44 207 096 9457 from overseas or 0345 340 3177 from the UK. You can also check your card balance by text. Text BAL XXXX (XXXX represents the last four digits of the long card number) to +44 778 1474 776 from overseas, or 80777 from the UK. Standard network charges apply.

How do I report that my card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, let us know as soon as possible.

Call +44 20 7078 2711 from overseas or 0207 078 2711 from the UK, available 24 hours a day. We will cancel your AA Travel Currency Card and issue you with a replacement within 7 to 10 days.

Or send us a text with LOST or STOLEN to +44 778 1474 776 from overseas or 80777 from the UK. (SMS texts to this number cost 20p.)

What if I misplace my card?

If you have misplaced your card, you can temporarily lock the card using your mobile phone by texting "BLOCK" and the last 4 digits of your card number to 80777 (texts charged at standard network rate). This enables you to unlock the card again if you find it without having to report the card lost or stolen. Simply text "UNBLOCK" and the last 4 digits of your card to 80777 and you can continue to use the card as normal.

Phishing, and how to avoid it.

We will never send an email to a customer requesting security or any other confidential information about the AA Travel Currency Card.

If you receive an email claiming to be from AA Financial Services, Tuxedo Money Plus Limited or Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd with a link to what appears to be the AA, Tuxedo or Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd website, do not enter your personal or eccount details. The AA, Tuxedo and Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd are in no way involved such an email and the website does not belong to us or Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd.

Never reply to any such emails or disclose any personal information on such websites. If you think you've received a fraudulent email that looks like it's from Tuxedo or Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd, please forward the entire email including the header and footer to security@eccount.com.

How safe is my money?

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not apply to the AA Travel Currency Card. No other compensation schemes exist to cover losses claimed in connection with the AA Travel Currency Card. So, in the event that Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd becomes insolvent, your funds may become valueless and unusable, which means that, as a result, you may lose your money.

Setting up Low Balance or Top up alerts by email or SMS

How to set up LOAD ALERTS

You can set up load alerts to let you know when your eccount or the value on your card reaches a particular limit.

Log in to online servicing.

Enter your security information.

Select the options 'eccount' or 'Card Account', click notfications and select either by SMS (charges apply) or by email (free). Accordingly, you'll receive an SMS or email alert for the low balance amount set or when a load is received.

You can select to receive an SMS message or an email to let you know when your eccount balance falls to a particular level e.g. £25. An email or SMS message to notify you that your balance has reached a low point is free of charge.

How to check your BALANCE by SMS

To check a balance:

text BAL XXXX to +44 7781 474776 (abroad) or 80777 (UK).

XXXX represents the last 4 digits of your 16 digit card number.

There is no additional charge for this service, but standard network rates apply. Your mobile phone number must be registered to your card account. If you need to update this, please log in to your online services and update your details.

Block and unblock can be used as an extra security feature by customers when they are abroad. For example, you can choose to block your card when you get into the swimming pool or leave bag unattended, and then unblock when you get out of the pool.

This facility might also be useful if you have misplaced your card but think you might find it again. Your mobile phone number must be registered to your card account. If you need to update this, please log in to your online services and update your details.

Your mobile phone number must be registered to your card account. If you need to update this, please log in to your online services and update your details.

How to move money between different AA Travel Currency Cards by SMS
If you've more than one AA Travel Currency Card – for example a Euro Card and a GBP Card, and you wish to move the balance from one card to the other, you can do this via the SMS service. Both cards will need to be registered to your name.

XXXX represents the last 4 digits of the 16 digit card number which has the money on it currently and YYYY represents the 16 digit card number which you wish to move the money to. (20p charge + standard network rates apply). Your mobile phone number must be registered to your card account. If you need to update this, please log in to your online services and update your details.

Expiry and account closure

What should I do when my AA Travel Currency Card expires?

This agreement will terminate 36 months from the account opening date, and you'll need to reapply for an AA Travel Currency Card. Please contact customer services on 0345 340 3177.

If you have any unused funds on your old card, we will move these over to your new card. If you do not wish to apply for a new card, we will transfer any funds on your card back to you. Please note, fees may apply, please refer to your terms and conditions. Please allow up to 7 working days for the funds to reach your bank account.

How do I close my account?

Contact our customer services team on +44 207 096 9457 from overseas, or 0345 340 3177 from the UK. For call charges, please check with your service provider. See terms and conditions for details.

The AA Travel Currency Mastercard Prepaid Card issued by Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd (WDCS), pursuant to licence by Mastercard International Inc. Mastercard, is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. WDCS is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to conduct electronic money service activities under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011.

* The ATM fee is refunded on withdrawals from £50 or €50. Some ATMs may charge an additional fee and should advise you before you confirm the transaction. An initial minimum load of £250 is required to get the £10 credit. This will be credited to the Travel Currency Card. This offer is exclusively for AA Members – an AA Member is a customer that has arranged UK Breakdown Cover directly with the AA and not as part of a bank or vehicle manufacturer partnership program.

** Our agents are available from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, however you can use this automated phone service to manage your card at any time. All calls will be recorded. Calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calling 01 and 02 numbers and count towards inclusive allowances on landlines and on mobiles. Please contact your service provider for details as the cost of calls may vary from other phone networks and from abroad.

The AA Travel Currency Mastercard Prepaid Card issued by Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd (WDCS), pursuant to licence by Mastercard International Inc. Mastercard, is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. WDCS is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to conduct electronic money service activities under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011.